Bandera deems local water dangerous for swimming

Bleah B. Patterson, San Antonio Express-News :
July 25, 2014

SAN ANTONIO --The Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District will test the Medina River along Highway 16 on Monday after checks last week discovered bacteria in the water, prompting officials to post signs warning of unsafe swimming conditions.

The agency, which is responsible for testing the water in San Antonio and surrounding areas, found a few hundred colonies of bacteria along Hwy 16 choosing to put back the signs posted last summer, said Dave Mauk, Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District general manager.

"With the areas current drought conditions we are definitely concerned and thought folks should know," Mauk said in a phone interview Friday. "While this is only a recommendation, you probably want to stay out."

He went on to explain that when temperatures are this high, and the water levels are low, it creates a situation where the water pools and creates bacteria, including E coli.

"One dangerous organism that thrives in these conditions is a pathogenic amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri," Mauk told the Bandera County Courier. "This organism enters a person through the nasal cavity, causing a condition known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The amoeba attacks the brain, resulting in death within days of infection."

Bacteria likes standing water, so unless you see water actively rushing through areas of the river, it's best to stay out, Mauk advised.

Similar steps were taken last year. The water was considered more dangerous, but it held less bacteria.

"There was more sun," Mauk said. "We believe that UV rays kill a lot of the bacteria."

More testing will happen Monday, but Mauk isn't enthusiastic that the result will be any different. He said what the area really needs is rain.

Medina Lake currently is at a terrifying low, with only 4 1./2 perfect capacity, or 95 percent empty.